ABOUT CIBOLO CREEK & THE RANCH

Welcome to Cibolo Creek Ranch, one of the oldest ranches in Texas, where historical artifacts, art and antiques combine to create a true nineteenth century atmosphere. The ranch dwellings evoke a sense of togetherness, which culminates at mealtime, often served at a long table in our dining room. Explore 30,000 acres of great outdoors and enjoy a range of activities led by experienced ranch hands. Activities include walking and motorized tours, viewing of Native American rock art, and opportunities to explore the ranch’s three historic forts built in the mid-nineteenth century by the ranch’s founder, Milton Faver.

Steeped In History

Milton Faver settled in this area of the Big Bend, according to local history, after fleeing Missouri in the mid-1800s. Local lore says he headed to West Texas after emerging victorious from a deadly duel. Over several decades, Faver established a flourishing trading business along the Rio Grande, on what is now known as Cibolo Creek Ranch. The forts built strategically across the property stood as strongholds against local bandits and Apache and Comanche raiders.

It was in 1857 when Faver constructed the first of his three forts, El Fortin del Cibolo, “Fort of the Buffalo,” as a trading and agriculture site along Cibolo Creek. Later, he built El Fortin de la Cienega, “Fort of the Marsh,” to serve as headquarters for his growing cattle operation. Finally, he erected El Fortin de la Morita, “Fort at the Little Mulberry Tree,” from which he built up his sheep and goat enterprise. From these three defensive centers, Faver cultivated his land and built his livestock herds. The forts also supported Faver’s trade with Indians, local settlers, silver miners from the nearby town of Shafter and U.S. Army troops stationed at nearby Fort Davis.

By the 1880s, Faver was recognized as one of the most successful pioneers of West Texas, with more than 20,000 longhorn cattle and sizable sheep and goat herds. When Faver died in 1889, his estate was left to his Mexican-born wife, Señora Francisca Ramirez. His only child, Juan, died in 1913, followed shortly by his mother.

Reviving the Past: Historically Restored Forts

A third-generation Texan, John Poindexter purchased the first component of The Ranch in 1988. John is a history enthusiast with a keen interest in Texas’s ranching past, a war veteran and entrepreneur. He had been searching for a property to create a secluded retreat for his friends and business associates – Cibolo Creek Ranch ticked all the boxes. He embarked on planning an extensive restoration of this historically and culturally significant landmark, with advice and input from the Texas Historical Commission.

By 1990, restoration was in full swing. Plans to shore up the structural integrity of the old forts were carefully executed, including the on-site production of hundreds of adobe blocks from original material to replace eroded segments. Old photographs, government and private archives and Faver family memorabilia were scoured for insights. Ranchers on neighboring properties were consulted to glean more architectural and historical detail about the crumbling structures.

John wasn’t simply bringing the buildings back to life. Soon he began to reintroduce indigenous animals to the area. Through ongoing habitat restoration efforts, much of the 30,000 acre landscape has been returned to its pre-pioneer condition.

At the end of the planning phase, reconstruction took another seven years to complete under the auspices of the Texas Historical Commission. The revival was all-encompassing: From landscaping to interior decor, no detail was overlooked. Every aspect of the environment reflects features of Spanish and Mexican culture. Most of the modern conveniences are tastefully hidden from view so guests can truly feel that they’ve slipped back in time, but without forfeiting modern comforts.

Contact / Find Us

Cíbolo Creek Ranch Airport is located on the ranch about 4 miles from the headquarters and 33 miles SSW of Marfa, Texas. The FAA Identifier is TS15. We have one runway: Runway 9/27, 5,300 feet long and 60 feet wide, which can accommodate most private aircraft. Our surface is crushed rock and asphalt with an emulsion coating. There are turnaround areas at both ends of the runway and a paved parking area. The runway is lighted for nighttime arrivals. There is no FBO and we do not have aviation fuel, which is, however, conveniently available in Marfa.